Metal-working machine.



V/lT/VE 8 5k 2 T. P. PAYNE;

METAL WORKING MACHINE.

nrrucmou men mu. 2s. 1.914.

- Patented Sept, 25, 1917.

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T. P. PAYNE.

METAL WORKING MACHINE.

, APPLICATION FILED JAN. 26. 1914- 1,241,248, Patentedsept. 25,1917.

- 8 SHEETSSHEET 2.

T. P. PAYNE.

METAL WORKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 1AN.26. 1914.

Patented Sept.- 25, 1917.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

A TTOR/VEYS T. P. PAYNE.

METAL WORKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 26. m4.

Patented Sept. 25, 1917.

8 SHEETSSHEET 4 N y I 1 n 1.

ff lNVE/VTOR T.,P. PAYNE.

METAL WORKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-26.1914- Patented Sept. 25, 1917.

8 SHEETSSHEET 5.

T. P. PAYNE.

METAL WORKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 26.19l4.

1 ,241 ,248, Patented Sept. 25, 1917.

T. P. PAYNE.

METAL WORKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JAN-26.1914.

1,241,248. PatentedSept. 25,1911

8 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

WITNESSES I/V l/E/VTOR T. P. PAYNE.

METAL WORKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 1AN.26.1914

1,241,248. PatentedSept. 25,1917.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

ATTORNY THEODORE P. IAYNE, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO STEEL UTILITIES,

INCORPORATED, COREORATION OF NEW YORK.

METAL-WORKING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 25, rear.

' of which the following is a speci cation.

The invention relates to machines for perforating structural shapes and the like for fabrication, and more especially to machines and means for making the perforations in said work in proper locations or positions with the use of a preliminarily prepared distance record device having therein the distance indications for the perforations to be made in the work.

Objects of the invention are to provide for automatic feeding and positioning of a beam or shape with references to the erforating devices to receive successive per orations in proper position and to automatically co'rrectly feed the beam between perforations; to provide for feeding the shapes work through widely varyin distances, effecting feeds of a fraction 0 an inch or feeds of many feet, doing. same expeditiously, and in all cases stopping the work with precision and accuracy, under the control of an automatic distance record device; to. provide for perforating. the different parts of the shapes, such as the web and flanges of I-beams', on a single passage there of through the machine; to provide a preliminarily prepared distance recordcapable of governing the automatic location and making of the perforations in the shape,

and whichrecord may be completed and verified, and corrected if necessary, in advance of its actual use in perforating shapes and to provide a. machine automatically cooperating with such adistance record device; to provide novel and useful instrumentalities of the kind indicated; to provide especially for the automatic perforating of relatively long and heavy beams and automatically controlling same by'an instrumentality in which the distance readings are recorded by perforations in which successive readings are fed to cooperating mechanisms;

to provide for so perforating such work by using a distance record device in the form of a perforated strip or.sheet adapted to'be so fed. These and other objects of invention will in part be obvious and will in part be set forth hereinafter.

or other i a di erent form of The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, combinations, instrumentalities and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings referred to herein and constitutlng a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and with the description'serve to illustrate the principles thereof.

Of the drawings Figure l, is a general plan of a machine constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention, only some of the circuits and connections being shown and others being omitted for the sake of clearness;

Fig. is an enlarged plan-of the distance determining devices with the automatic control or setting devices removed for the sake of clearness and showing the parts therebeneath;

Fig. 3 is an elevation looking at Fig. 2

"from the foot of said figure;

broken away of the distance slides, corre-,

sponding generally to the lower left-hand part of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a vertical section on the line C D of Fig. 2; v

Figs. 10 and 11 are details of a portion of the distance determining mechanism;

Fi 12 is a fra'mentary plan showing istance determinin devices controlled by the distance recor devlce;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the key mechanism and automatic distance record control therefor shown in Fig. 12, looking at the corresponding parts of Fig. 12 from the right;

Fi .14 is a diagram of the shape and punc controlling vand positioning means including the distance record device and, certain c rcuits; and

Fig. 15 is a diagram of various parts of fragmentary plan look the shape traveling devices including .the i accelerating and retarding devices.

The invention so far as concerns the main aspects thereof is applicable to different forms or kinds of distance determining devices used in machines for operating upon structural shapes, and' more particularly, machines for punching rivet holes in the shapes for fabrication.

The invention provides, in connection with such a machine, and cotiperating with or as a part of the distance determining means, 0 a distance record device whic automatically sets or controls the'setting of the distance determining devices to locate the pun'chings in the work. The number and relative position of the holes to be made in the shape or beam or preliminary recorded and preferably, all the rivet holes in a particular beam are preliminarily recorded in the distance record device, and are verified or proofed before hand, and revised and corrected if erroneous, so that when the machine is operated under the device, that is transversely of its direction control or governance of the distance recorddevice, the holes will be punched successively and automatically in the beam or like work, correctly and without error by-rea'son,

of the precedent verification or correction of the distance record device.

The distance record device in its preferred embodiment has the distance indications in the form of perforations andthe perforations are preferably made in a flexible sheet or strip. In the embodied form, also, a line .or area across the distance record of feed, represents any possible distance or reading thereof. That is, a part of the distance transversely of the sheet or strip, or other record device, which may appropriately be termed a sub-area", may represent a distance denomination, and another .part of said distance transversely therepf may represent a different distance denomination,

and various divisions within each of these distances, or areas, will represent numerals, or quantities of that particular distance denomination;

By way of example, and considering the sheet or strip as the form of distance record device, we may. consider theoretically that a large number of holes maybe punched therein in alinement transversely of the sheet or strip. Further, by way of example and ex lanation, we may consider a number of the rst holes in the series as representin I tens of feet, and there "might be five sue holes, representing. one, two, three, four tens of feet. A number of the next occurring holes in the theoretical series would represent feet, and, we could have ten such holes, representing say zero,'.one*etc., feet, up" to nine. A number of the next quired, and so only one hole would be ac-' tually punched in the proper position for the particular value or number of units to be used in the particular distance denomination. In practice, each transverse line of the sheet or strip would thus have a series of perforations selectively made therein in such a location or position as to give "the right number of tens of feet, of feet, of inches, and fractions of an inch. The distance record device, such as the sheet or strip may be fed up intermittently between successive settings of the machine, and while punches or other 'work is being done on the previous setting.

So. far as concerns the broader features of my invention, and in many aspects thereof, different forms of distance determining devices may bg employed, and in the. ex emplified embodiment, I have shown my invention applied to the form of distance determining devices shown in my copending application, Serial No. 704,819, filed June 20, 1912, and also, I have shown same a plied to a form of distance determining evices shown in application Serial No. igfgli'of L. A. Hawthorne, ,filed March The embodied form of distance record device comprises a long sheet or strip 1,

distance indications or values recorded in the strip 1 and to govern the .movementsand positions of the shape orother work in accordance therewith so that the holes will be punched therein'in accordance with the in-- dications of the record device. r 4

,The" strip 1 has distance indications consisting of perforations so located transversely of the strip as to indicate distance denominations and values or u'antities of such denominations, as previous y explained. In the embodied form of preliminarily made perforations for the en- .tire shape or beam or like piece of work,

device operating upon t efeed roll 8 is probe fed or run through a mochanism cooperating therewith to recognize the" racket 5. The strip.

d be correspon ingly twelve such cooperating mechanism the strip 1-, which may carry the mamas vided, and as embodied, it comprises a ratchet wheel 11 fixed to rotate with the feed roll 8. A reciprocable arm 12 is mounted loosely upon the shaft or bearing 13 of the roll 8, and a spring pressed pawl 14 is pivotally mounted upon the arm 12, and enga es the ratchet teeth of the wheel 11.

, uitable means are provided for reciproeating the arm 12 for each operation of the tool-equipped means to intermittently feed forward t e strip 1 for a new setting of the distance determining devices. As embodied, a pivotallyconnected rod 15, connects 'the arm 12 to any suitable part of the mechanism (not shawn). A presser roll .16, or a plurality of such rolls may be used to keep the strip 1 firmly in place upon the feed roll 8.

Suitable devices may be keeping the strip taut and rewinding it. In the embodied form, a reel 17 is mounted upon a bracket 18 and said reel has fast to its shaft a pulley 19. A pulley 20 is shown fast to the shaft 4 of the reel for the distance record strip.- A belt 21 passes over the pulleys 19 and 20. A drag or brake 22 may be used on the roll 3, if desired.

The'manner of .operation of the mechanism just described is as follows: The arm 12 is rocked to the right and back again to the left in proper time relation to the operation of the punches or other tool-equipped means and the awl 14 thereby engages a new ratchet tooth on the wheel 11 and gives the proper amount of feed to the feed roll 8. This draws the strip 1 toward the left in Fig. 4, unwindin it from the roll 3, the brake 22 preventing unnecessary slack in the strip. The ulley 20 is larger than the pulley 19, and t us the used portion of the strip 1 is wound upon the reel 17, the belt 21 slipping as the size of the two rolls varies, the slack at the forward end of the strip 1 being always kept wound on reel 17.

The embodied form of means cooperating directly with the distance record device, that is the strip 1 for recognizing its indications and positioning the work accordingly, is electrical, although so far as concerns many features of the invention said means might be mechanical or pneumatic, or of other construction or principle of operation. In said embodied form, the strip 1 travels or is fed between plates 25 and 26, which support pairs of electrical contacts 27 and 28. Said contacts comprise pins 29 working in apertures in the plates 25 and 26, said pins being impelled toward each other by springs 30, mounted upon the plates 25 and 26. These devices may be properly insulated, or the plates 25 and 26 themselves may be of insulating material. Each pin of an opposed pair, through the corresponding, springs 30, or otherwise, are electrically connected, respectively, to the two branches 32 rovided for.

and 33 of an electrical circuit, which circuit comprises any suitable source of power 34, shown conveniently at Fig. 4.

So far as concerns many features of the invention, the distance controlling and determining devices may be of various forms,

' but as one feature of the invention, a keyboard is employed, which may be utilized with the automatic control or may be used separately if desired. In Fig. 4 is shown a single key 64 of the keyboard of a distance determining device, and in operative relation therewith is shown a solenoid 35 in circuit with the wires 32 and 33. The core 36 of the solenoid has connected thereto a rod 37, in operative relation to the key 64, the spring 66 on the key stem serving to move back the solenoid core when the circuit is broken.

In said embodied form there will be a pair of the contacts 27 and 28 for each possible position of a perforation in the strip 1, and these will be arranged in a line transversely across strip 1. If it is found structurally advisable, the pairs of contacts may be staggered to give more room for the mechanism, and the transverse line of'perforations in such. case will be correspondingly staggered instead of being in a straight line.

In accordance with certain aspects of the invention as previously indicated, the dis tance record device and the cotiperating devices are adapted to coiiperate with a keyboard machine, that is with a machine having a keyboard, which may be also manually settable by an operative. According to one feature of the invention, the automatic control is removable from the keyboard so that the distance determining devices may be operated either automatically by the distance record device or strip or may be set by an operative from readings on a blueprint, schedule or other source.

The embodied form will first be described as comprising these features of the invention and as applied to the form of distance determining devices shown in my copending application for patent, Serial No.

704,819. Only a portion of the drawings of said application will be shown herein, suficient to explain the utilization of that particular form of distance determining mechanism with my present invention.

Referring by way of example to Fig. 12, the rack traveling with the work is indicated by reference numeral 40 (which rack is the same or corresponds to rack 4 in mv said application, Serial No. 704,819). Meshing with the rack 40 is a pinion 41 mounted on the shaft 42. Fixed also on shaft 42 is a worm wheel (not shown), which worm.

the pinion 9, shaft 11, worm 15 and shaft 16 of my said copending application). The

ieo

with the respective keys 64 in the manner shown also in Fig. '4 of the drawing, and the entire complements of keys may be so equipped. The distance record devicecony trolling the keyboard is shown in Fig. 11,

ration.

and has been already described in detail.

The application of my present invention to this particular distance determining means will be clearly understood from the foregoing description without further elabo The frame 46 may be removed when itis desired to operate the keys manuby an operative.

all p fieferring'to the form of device shown in Figs. 1 to 10 inclusive, the position of the tool-equipped means is indicated generally by the housings 70 and 71. The housing 7 0 may be regarded asthe location of either a flange or web punch and the housing 71 as the location of the other. shape is indicated by X. The shape an rests upon a series of driven rolls 72, turning with their shafts 73, on which shafts are bevel gears 74. Meshing with these cars 74 are bevel gears 75, fixed upon a sha 76, driven in asuitable manner, as through atrain of gears 78 and 79 from the motor 80. Travelmg'along the athway of the, shape is a member in do its relation thereto and adapted to stop the shape, which member is controlled by the distance determining devices to permit .and prevent the travel of theshape as impelled forward by rolls 72, so as to position it. relatively to the punches or tool-equip ed; means,v so that the perforations wil be properly located in the shape on. As embodied said means comprise ahead 81 with which the end of the beam is in contact,

and fixed thereto and travelingv therewith a longitudinally slidable rack 82. extending along the side of the beamiv.

The rack 82 has suitable connections to the distance determining device, such as .a pinion 83, which meshes with the rack 82,

said pinion being fixed to the shaft 84. The

shaft 84 passes through the casing ,85 and is journaledto rotate in bushings 87 and 88 in the ends of the casing 85.

Within said casing the shaft 84 has a square portion 89 or of other equivalent shape. The casing is provided with an internal thread 86, and mounted on the The 'beam' on squared portion 89 of shaft 84 is a nut 99 having an exterior thread 91 meshing with the internal thread 86 of. the casing 85. Extending to the right, in Fig. 2, from the body portion of the nut is an integral sleeve 92 s uared internally to fit the shaft 89 but of cy drical external form. Threaded or otherwise fastened on the end of the sleeve 92 is a collar 93. Sleeved or journaled upon the sleeve 92 is a cylindrical member 94 (see Figs. 2, 10 and 11), which member 94 is provided with an inte al sleeve or extension 95 extending to the right in Figs. 2, 10, and 11. Upon this cylindrical sleeve 95 is formed an external thread .96.

Encircling the thread 96 and having an internal thread meshin cling nut 97 said nut 9 having fixed thereto a neck or extension 98. Fixed to or inand 101, and which -is' supported upon a bearing surface 102, and u on a bearing surface 103. To avoid frict on-and excessive wear ball or roller'bearings' may be provided between the plate 99 and its bearing surfaces.

Carried upon the plate 99 is a key-support 106 having openings therein in which work or reciprocate a series ofkeys 107, preferably arranged in a double row for convenience and compactness of construction. Said keys also work in apertures 110 in the late 99. Said keys are held in retracted position by springs 108.

therewith is a trav-' Beneath the support 106, the keys'107 have connoidal enlargements 109. Just below the connoidal enlargements on the key'stems is a spring-pressed plate 111, mounted to slide longitudinally of itself orisupp'orting ins 112 and 113,. and being yieldingly impe ed in one direction by a spring 114 coiled about the pin 112. In the plate 111 are apertures,

which just permit the connoidal enlargements 109 to pass therethrough. These apertures are yieldingly held off center with respect to the enlargements 109, the smaller end of which, however, are within the apertures. When a key is pressed down, the A p 115 plate 111 will slide against its spring-to permit. the enlargement 109 to pass through the aperture, and after the enlargement 109 has passed through the aperture, the plate will spring back, locking the key inset position until another key is actuated. .The actuation of the second key will momentaril center the plate again, as already describe which permits the enlargement 109 to pass throu h its aperture and permits the release of t e first key'under the action of its spring 108. A lockmg pin 116, with a cooperating sliding plate 117, are provided the operation of which will be described later;

Beneath the plate 99 is a plate 120 havin' an enlarged portionv 121 carrying a set 0 aaaaaee q a be further described in detail. Beneath the plate 120 i's'a plate 123, having a portion 124 carrying a bank of keys 125 which may be of similar construction to those already described. A plate 126 lies beneath the plate 123 havin a part 127 carrying keys 128. Beneath t e plate 126 is a plate 129 fast upon the bed 130.

In the plate 120 are a series of slots 131. of diilerent lengths located beneath the various keys 107 of plate 99 (see especially Fig. 8), into one of which slots the corresponding key of the bank 107 carried by the plate 99 is projected when said key is set. Thus the plate 99 will travel alone until such set key 107 reaches the end of the coiiperating slot 131, after which the plate 120 will be moved with the plate 99. The slots are graduated in length to correspond to the distance value of the key cotiperating therewith. That is, for example, where the plate 99 corresponds to inches of travel of the work, the slot for say ten inches, would be longer than say,

for one inch. Where two keys cotiperate with a single slot (as is shown 1n Fig. 7 for the plate 99, keys 107 and the slots in plate 120,) each pin represents a difierent distance value or setting dependent upon its position with respect to the position of the slot as will be clear from the drawing, that is if the pin near the head of the slot is set, the plate 99 will have relatively. farther I S d-travel before starting the plate 120 than if the other key cotiperating with the same slot were set.

The plate 123 is provided with a like series'of slots 132, and the plate 126 with'a similar series 133. In the plate 129 are slots 139 which selectively position the shape relatively to either the web or flange punches. The various series of keys may "represent such distance denominations as may be advisable and convenient for the particular design or embodiment and in the illustrated mechanism keys 107 represent inches, the keys 122 represent feet, while the keys 125 represent tens of feet. The keys 128 represent a setting for either the web punch or flange punch or other toolequipped means when these various punches are arranged lineally or successively along the path of the work, as shown generally in Fig. 1. That is, when one of the keys 128 is set, it will position the work relatively to one of the punches in accordance with the set distance reading. When the other, or another, key 128 is set, it would position the work for the other punch, but according to the samedistance reading. The distance record sheet would have perforations for automatically setting either key 128 and so controlling the position of the work relatively to either punch.

the ultimate or finer readings which in this case would be fractions of an inch, are made on the cylinder 94. The setting in the present embodiment onnthe cylinder 94 and cooperating devices is for sixteenths of an inch, and there are accordingly formed in the surface of the cylinder 94 four slots helically arranged and of the same pitch as the internal thread 86 of casing 85. There are four keys cotiperating with each slot. The slots in the cylinder 94 are numbered respectively 140, 141, 142 and 143. Cotiperating with the slot 140 are a series of keys 144, 145, 146 and 147. Cotiperating with the slot 141 are a series of keys collectively indicated by 148. A series of keys collectively indicated by 149 (-otiperate with slot 142, and a series of keys 150 cotiperate with the slot 143.

These various series of keys are mounted in a plate 151 and have a locking and restoring plate 152 and are provided also with According to one feature of the invention,

restor ng springs 153 which are of similar construction and principle of operation to those already described. These various series of pins for fractional settings also work in apertures in plate 154 which is fixed to or integral with the nut 97.

On the face of the cylinder 94 is shown a series of crown teeth (see especially Figs. 2%

10, and 11) 160. A corresponding series 0 crown teeth 161 are on the adjacent face of the nut 91 (see Fig; 2). These teeth 160 and 161 are of the same pitch with thread 86, and are ada ted to pass into and out of engagement wlth each other, as will be later more fully described.

The manner of operation of the mechanism just described is substantially as follows. The shape an is impelled forward by the rollers 72 against the head 81. A distance setting is made by setting .the proper keys, as by way of example, one of the pins in the tens of feet, also one of the pins in the feet series, together with one of the pins in the inch series, and one of the pins in the fractional parts of an inch series. This would provide for a feed of the work for a corresponding distance. The mechanism may be constructed so that the setting of the pin representing the fraction of an inch will permit the mechanism to start into op 'Fig. 2. The nut 99 is slidalong its guideways. When the key and pin 107 which has been set reaches the end.

ingslotl33. The plate 129 being stationary,

the plate 126, and correspondingly the entire structure back to the nut 97 are brought to rest when the set key 128 reaches the end of slot 139 in plate 129. If any particular denomination is not used, the locking pin' 116 will cause that particular slide and the one underneath to start and travel together, thus allowing no'travel of the work for such denomination when no pin is set. The sliding plate 111, or other corresponding plate releases the locking pin, and the late 111'can he slid by hand to release the 00king pm by means of the projection 180 at one end of plate 111. The mechanism is so proportioned that the crown teeth on the cylinder 94 and the cor onding crown teeth' on the nut 91. have their locking faces substantially in alinement or in position for engagement one with the other.

he cylinder- 94 is now revented from lineal travel along the sha 84 except as it may be rotated, and its rotation through the action with the internal thread of the nut 97 will again give it translational travel, that is, movement along the shaft 84 to the right in 91 and the cylinder 94 are normally held out of mesh by the spring 170.

When. any one of the ins cooperating with the slots in the mem ber 94 has been pro ected into its slot, and the various slid ing plates have reached the ends of their.

travel, respectively, by reason of the pins in the various slots in said slidin plates having reached the ends of their respective slots, and the nut 97 is thus at rest, it will be understood that by reason of the shape and location of the slots in the member 94 the further movement thereof will be rotational as wellas translational. and will measure from the last integral inch setting. As the nut 90 rotates farther its teeth 161 pass into line and into mesh on cylinder 94:, through the yieldin of 95 screws into nut 97 and thus allows forthe necessary advance of nut 90 which has s ot in cylinder 94, said t to rest .andthe nut 90 is likewise brought to rest in exactly the correct position y reason of the "faces of of its thread 96 intermeshin with the teeth 160 its teeth 161 coming against the corresponding faces of the crown teeth 160. This brings shaft 84,- the head 81 and'also the beam to rest, in exact correspondence with the set distance reading.

A motor 172 connected to drive shaft 84 restores the head 81 to exact starting position, which as will be clear, restores all the other parts, and a spring '171 insures the rotation of drum 94 to starting position on the integral inch. One of the keys andv pins cooperating with its slots may serve to hold drum 94 in that position until there isafractional' settin by one' of the other pins. The motor 1 2 may be operated automatically from the distance record device by a suitable circuit controlling a solenoid or magnetic switch, such devices being similar to those shown and described and employing any desirable or usual form of elec trically operated controlling switch for the motor 172. If desired, the motor 172 may be controlled by an operator, or automaticall from some other art of the machine.

cans are provided or bringing together the sliding plates after a distance setting preparatory to-makin a new distance setting. In the embodie form of such means the various series are released by the actuation of the respective slides 111, which may be operated in any suitable way, as by hand by pressing on the upturned ends 180 of the various slides 111.

In Fi 14 of the drawings is shown a wiring. iagram in connection with fragvmental-y showings of certain parts of the machine, the same exemplifiying a system, or part of a system, adapte or suitable in connection with controlling a machine of this kind by. means of a distance record device such as the perforated sheet hereinbefore described.

The distance record sheet-is indicated by reference numeral 1, and the perforations therein-by reference numeral 2. Two distancetdetermining devices are shown, one

of said devices controlling the traveling and its thread 91 in mesh with the thread 86 of. casing 85.. The set in reaching the end of the correspondin cylinderis broug of the shape wlongitudinally, that a P is i ii th direction of its travel with respect menses tively to each other, and as embodied it controls the travel and stopping of the punching device transversely, that 1s, crosswise, to locate the perforations transversely in the web of an I-beam, or'like part of some other shape.

The distance controlling device shown at the right in Fig. 14 corresponds generally to the distance determining device shown in Fig. 1 and other figures, and has like reference numerals applied thereto and is indicated generally in Fig. 14 by 182, and will require no detailed description at this point. The other distance determining device, shown to the left in Fig. 14, may be of like or similar construction, and is indicated generally by reference numeral 183 and likewise needs no further detailed description at this point. This distance determining device 183 is connected by means of its shaft 184 and suitable connections (not shown in detail, but shaft 184 corresponding to shaft 516, in my copending application S. N. 7 90,085, and the cylinder of punch 185 corresponding to cylinder 480 said copending application) to travel the web punch 185 to and fro transversel of the shape or to properly locate the per orations transversely or across the shape.

In the wiring diagram, a source of electrical energy is indicated by 186 with distributing or main lines 187 and 188. The housings or general mounting for the traveling web punch (shown fragmentarily) is indicated by 189. The housing or frame for one of the opposed flange punches is likewise fragmentarily indicated in Fig. 14 by reference numeral 190.

The circuits 201, 202, 203 and 204 are provided with contacts or like devices cooperating with perforations 2 in sheet 1 to set and otherwise control the distance determining device for the longitudinal feed of the shape It will be understood that such number of the circuits and cooperating means will be used as may be required. Circuits 205, 206 and 207 similarly operate the other distance determining device, which governs the transverse travel and position of the work, a proper number of such circuits being utilized,

Suitable devices for securing or calling into operation the desired number of punches are provided, and circuits 208 and 209 are designed for this purpose, controlling respectively the gag solenoids C and D.

Circuit 210 controls the starting or callingv into operation of the web punch and its safety device. tions are made in the distance record sheet, this circuit is energized and solenoid A actit ates a suitable device shown as a hydraulic valve 191 suitable for controlling a hydraulic punch. The circuit then passes throu h auxiliary contacts M in the keyboard oft c When the proper perforadistance determining device for the web perforations, said contacts being arranged so that a complete setting in this keyboard is necessary to close he circuit.

When a complete setting has previously been made in said keyboard, and the mechanism is consequently in condition to properly locate transversely of the shape a: the perforation about to be made in accordance with such settingof said distance determining device, the current then passes through a contact N which is closed by the stopping of the motor 192, which drives this transverse distance determining device. The current then passes through line 213 to contact K which contact is closed by the stopping of the other, or longitudinal, distance controlling device 182, and may be of any suitable form for this purpose. The current then passes through auxiliary contacts P in the keyboard of this longitudinal distance determining device 182, which auxiliary contacts are arranged so that the completion of a distance determining setting 1n this keyboard is necessary to close the c1rcuit. The current then passes through line 215 and through solenoids E and F. Said solenoids E and F operate opposed pa1rs of gripping or alining rolls 193 and 194, which rolls serve to aline the work transversely at the point for punching the web, in order to insure the shape being maintained in proper position with respect to the mechanism and thus properly locate the perforations in the work. The current then passes through line 216 back to the distributing line 188, and to the contacts at sheet 1, and so on to complete the circuit.

Thus means are provided for insuring that a punch will not be operated until there has been a proper setting of distance determining devices for the desired longitudinal and transverse positionin of the shape and punch so that the per orations will be properly located in the web at the point corresponding to the setting of the distance determining devices. Also such setting will be controlled by and will be in correspondence to the perforations in the distance record Sheet 1. Said devices also embody means for insuring the sequential operation of the shape perforating means after the shape has been so positioned. Means are also embodied whereby the beam is necessarily and preliminarily correctly positioned transversely of the shape, by the control of the alining or gripping cylinders 193 and 194 controlled by the solenoids E and F.

In connection with the control of the flange punch 195, the circuit 211, slmilarly controlled from the distance record sheet 1,

passes through solenoid B, which operates a then passes through line 213, and through .terminin contact K, which contact is on the shaft of the longitudinal distance determining device 182, previously referred to and is controlled by the starting and stopping of said device. The circuit then. passes throu h auxiliary contacts P at the keyboard of t e longitudinal distance determining device 182, the circuit being closed at this point upon the completion of a distance setting upon said device 182. The circuit then passes through line 214, 215 to the solenoids E and F of the alining rollers 193 and 191, and thence through line 216 to the source of current and back to the contact at the distance record sheet 1.

Means are thus provided by the foregoing for insuring a complete settlng of the longitudinal distance determining devices before the flange punch mechanism can be operated, and for securingsequential operation of the distance determining device and of the perforating devices, respectively. The flange punches, may be in opposed pairs although but one is shown in the drawing, and it will be understood further that the expressions web punch and flange punch are explanatory and not limiting aslapplied to the invention. 7

Means are provided by the invention for accelerating and retarding the movement of the shape, in connection with the distance determining devices. In accordance with this feature of the invention, as embodied, shortly before the predetermined point in the travel of the beam is reached which corresponds to the setting of the distance dedevice slowing down means are brought into operation to retard the shape and decrease its momentum.

In Fig. 15 of the drawings is shown a wiring diagram applicable or suitable for such control of the means for traveling the shape longitudinally and for stopping it in lts longitudinal travel in pro or position to be operated upon by the per orating devices.

In this figure, wires 198 and 199 are distributing or bus wires from any suitable source of electric energy. The switch AK may be operable by the operator of the machine or otherwise. When this switch is closed, current flows to series parallel controller AG, whereupon the two motors 80,

which motors drive the rolls 72 (Fig. 1) are connected in series, gradually brmgmgt em up to speed by automatically varying resistance. Thereupon, the motors-are switched to parallel and accelerated to full working speed. When a distance determining key 107 (which may be any desired distance determ ning key) is set for the corresponding distance, it also closes a suitable circuit closing device V. The sliding plate will travel in the direction shown by the arrow, and the limit of the distance tOyWhiCh the distance.

determining device 182 is set, maybe reor pin 107 and its slot.

contact device T is in a circuit for varygarded as illustratedby the relationof ikey ing the resistance or current control of the motors 80 (two such motors being shown, one for each end of the machine) whereby said motors are slowed down as the shape approaches the point or distance for which the longitudinal distance determinin device 182 is set. The two branches 0 this motor controlling circuit are indicated by reference numerals 221 and 222, and connect to the controller AC for-the motors 80.

For the purpose of making and breaking said circuit at contact point T, a circuit 224 is provided having a suitable source of electrical energy Q, and a solenoid U. When a distance determining pin 107 is set, said pin closes both circuits at V. Thereupon the uppermost member of the contact device '1 is moved into circuit closing position. The time of closing the circuit at oint T is determined by the movement 0 the superimposed sliding plates and the position of the set pins 107 in their slots. When the slowing down device makes contact at'T the current flows through said circuit 221 and 222 to the controller AC, as already indicated, and said controller is operated to retard the motor 80 (corresponding to'the motor 80 in Fig.1), whereby the motor is brought down to slow speed preparatory to bringing the shape to rest at the desired point for which 'the distance determining devices have been set.

When the distancia determinin device comes to rest the switch AD (on s aft 84) automatically opens, cutting-the current ofi from the motors 80 through circuit 225.

Said switch AD may be operated by the shaft of the distance controlling devlce as above described or may be connected in suitablemanner to the current controller AC.

The startin current is also sent from the controller A over circuit 220, 221 to solenoids AG and AH, which solenoids actuate pinching rolls 230, which pinching rolls grip the shape when the rolls 72 are runnin and serve to hold it firmly to these rolls an thus assist in keeping the shape accurately to the hea 81.

Similar devices are shown applied tothe I means or mechanism for positioning the shape transversely and operate in a generally similar manner to. accelerate and retard the travel of the web punching device. They have, therefore,'been indicated by the same reference numerals and need not be described in detail.

It will thus be understood that connec tion with settable distance determining devices, and in connection with such devices automatically controlled by a distance record sheet, means have been provided for controlling the travel and rate of travel of shown, nor to any particular constructions mamas the shape or other work whereby it is brought up to speed and then retarded preparatory to being stopped by the mechanism controlled by the distance determining devices to properly position the shape or like work relatively to the perforating means.

In view of the various descriptions of operation of the various mechanisms and groups of mechanisms no general statement of-operation at this point will be necessary. It will be understood that asthe strip or sheet 1 is fed intermittently and automatically through the machine the arm 12 is actuated through the rod 15 which rod is actuated by connections to t e unch or some part reclprocating or otherwise moving in determinate relation thereto, and thus a new part of the strip 1 with a new distance reading will be fed up between the contact pins 27 and 28. The perforations in the strip 1 will complete the selected circuits, and the corresponding keys, such askeys 64 'or 107 will be set, and the work will be fed forward the distance for which the keys were so set, and the various functions and operations of the machine will be likewise controlled from said strip. Upon the completion of the punching and other operations, the distance record strip 1 will be again fed up and the operations repeated. It will be understood that a machine has been provided embodying the principles and features of the invention, and realizing the objects and advantages set forth, together with other objects and advantages.

The invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the particular constructions a by which it has been or may be carried into "effect, as many changes may be made in the construction without departing from the main" principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What I do claim as m invention and desire to secure byLetters atent, is

1. A. machine for operatin upon structural shapes including. in com ination toolequipped means, means. for progressing a shape widely varying successive distances relatively to the tool-equipped means, distance determining means for positioning the work relatively to the tool-equipped means through such widely varying successive distances to be operated upon thereby, and a distance record device governing the operation of said distance determining means.

2. A machine for operating upon structural beams including in combination toolequipped means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to the tool-equipped means to correctly position the beams for successiye operations, said means including a distance record device adapted to feed and stop through irregular and widely varying distances and mechathe beams for successive operations, said r means including a distance record device, a head traveling in fixed relation with the beam and mechanism automatically governed by the distance record device to stop the head and the beam in positions corresponding to -the readings of the distance record device.

4. A machine for operating upon structural beams including in combination tool=" equipped means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to the tool-equipped means to correctly position the beams for successive operations, said and mechanism governed thereby to successively stop the beam in accordance'with the readings of the distance record device, said mechanism including a traveling head engaged by the forward end of the beam and stopped by the distance record device.

5. A machine for operating upon structural beams including in combination toolequipped means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to the tool-equipped means to correctly position the beams for successive operations, said means including a distance record device and mechanism governed thereby to automatically and successively properly travel and stop the beam.

6. A machine for operatin upon structural shapes including in com ination toolequipped means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to the .tool-equipped means .to correctly position the beams for successive operations, said means including a distance record device, mechanism governed thereby to properly travel and stop the beam, and means for feeding said distance record device.

7 A machine for operating upon structural beams including in combination tool equippedmeans, means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to the toolequipped means to correctly position the beams for successive operations, said means including a series of rolls traveling the 1" am past the tool equipped means, a member engaging the beam and traveling therewith, a distance record device and mechanism governed thereby to successivel stop the beam in accordance with the reactings of the distance record device.

8. A machine for operating upon structural shapes including in combination toolequipped means, means for causing a shape .means including a distance record device,

to travel and stop relatively to the toolequipped means, including devices for stopping means including a distance record device, and means for intermittently-feeding said distance record device.-

9. A, machine for operatin upon structural shapes including in com 'ination toolv to travel through irre equipped means,,means for causin a shape totravel through irregular and wi ely varying distances relatively to thetool-equipped means, means for stopping the shape to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said stopping means including a distance record device and means for automatically having distance controllin marks for distance values and sub-multip es' in a' plurality of denominations.

' 10. A mach'ne for operating upon strucequipped' means, means for causing a shape lar and widely varying distancas relative y to the tool-equipped means, means for stopping a shape to correctly position the shape or successive operations, said means "including a distance recorddevice having arbitrarily located distance indications.

11. A machine for operatingupon structural shapesincluding in combination toolequipped means, means for causing a shape to travel through irregular and widely varying distances relatively to the tool-equipped means, means for stopping a shape to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said means mcluding a distance record device having arbitrarily located distance indications representing a plurality of successive readings thereof.

distance denominations and sub-multi 'les thereof, and a device engagin the trave ing beam and stopped successive y' by the distance record device in accordance with the 12. A machine for operatin upon structural shapes including in com ination toolyequipped' means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to the tool-equipped means to. correctly position the beams for successive operations, said means including a distance record device having areas or locations representing d1stance denomlnatlons and sub-areas or location's representing ordinals of such denominations and distance indications selectively .located .w1th1n sald areas, and mechamsm governed thereby to properly travel and stopsaid beam.

., 13. A machine for operatin upon structural shapes including in com ination tool- 'equipped means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to the tool-equipped means correctly position the. beam for successive operations, said means, including a distance record device adapted be fed or-traveled andbeing divided transversely of its direction of travel tural shapes including in combination toolequipped means, and means for causing a tool-equipped means to correctly position the beam for successive operations, said means including a distance record device adapted to beifed or traveled and being divided transversely of its direction of travel beam to travel and stop relatively to the into dist'ance'values and having a distance indication selectiyely'located transversely of said device, devices for successively feeding said device from one distance indication to the next in the direction of its feed, and

turalshap es incl'uding'in combination tool- \mechanism governedthereby to properly travel and stop the beam.

15. A machine for operatin upon. structural shapes including in com ination toolequipped means,- and means for causing a beam to travel andstop. relatively to the tool-equipped means tocorrectly position the beam for successive operations, said means including a distance record device adapted to be fed'or traveled and being divided transversely of its direction of travel into distance values and having a plurality ofdistance indications selectively located transversely of said device, and mechanism governed thereby to stop'the beam after a group of transverse distance indications.

- 16. A machine for operatin 'upon structravel 'equal to the total distance ofthe" tural shapes including incom ination toolequipped means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop. relatively to the tool-equipped means to correctly position the beam for successive operations, said means including a distance record device adapted to be "fed or traveled along being divided transversely, of itsdirection of travel into distance values and having a plurality oi distance indications selectively located transversely of said device to stop the beam after a travel equal tothe total distance of the group of transverse distance indications, devices 0 said device from one transverse group. of indications to the next transversegroup of indications. I

.17. A machine for operatin upon lstrucequipped means, and means for causing a r successively feeding tural shapes including in com inationtoolbeam to travel and stop relatively to the tool-equipped means to correctly position the beam for successive operations, said? transversely thereof and such transverse memes readin s or indications successively arranged and en stantially equally spaced along said device, irrespective .of the distances represented thereby, means for feeding said rec-' tural shapes including in com inationtoolequipped means,- means'for causing a shape to travel relatively to the tool-equipped] means, and means for stopping a'shape to tural shapesincluding in combination tool-V correctly position the shape for successive operations, said stopping means including a previousl prepared distance record device and mac anisms' cooperating therewith to recognize the distance indications and to stop the shape accordingly.

19. A machine for operating upon strucequipped means, means for causing a shape to travel relatively to the tool-equipped means, and means for stopping a shape to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said stopping means including a previousl prepared,- removable and interchangeab e, distance record device and mechanisms cooperating therewith and governed thereby to recognize the distance indications and to stop the shape accordingly.

20. A machine for operating upon structural shapes including in combination toolequipped means, means for causing a shape to travel relatively to the tool-equipped means, including a series of driven rolls, and means for stopping the shape to correctly position the shape for successive operations,

said stopping means including a previously prepared distance record device and a member engaging and traveling with the shape and connections therefrom operating to recognize the distance indications and to stop the shape accordingly.

'21. A machine for operatin upon structural shapes including in com ination toolequipped means, means for causing a beam to travel relatively to the tool-equipped means, and means for stopping the shape to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said stopping means including a previously prepared distance record device and a member pushed forward by the traveled beam and connections therefrom recognizing the distance indications of the distance record device to stop said member and the beam accordin ly.

22. A machine gr operatin upon structural shapes, including in com ination toolequipped means, means for causing, a beam to travel freely relatively to the tool equipped means, and means for stopping the shape to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said stopping means including a head pushed by the forward end of the traveling beam, an intermittently traveling sheet or strip having distance indications therein and mechanism recognizmg said indications and governed thereby to stop said head and the shape in accordwith said indications to move and stop the shape in accordance therewith, and means for intermittently feeding said strip from one transverse line of indicationsto the next succeeding.

24. A machine for operating upon structural shapes, including in combination toolequipped means, and means for causing a beam to travel and stop relatively to said tool-equipped means-to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said means including a plurality of ke s and automatic means for setting all the li eys for a single distance reading and corresponding travel of the shape? 25. A machine for operatin upon structural shapes, includingin com ination toolequipped means, and means for causing a sha e to travel and stop'relatively to said too -equipped means to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said means including a keyboard, a distance record device, and means for successively setting the keyboard in accordance With successive indications of the distance record device.

26. A machine for operating upon structural shapes, including in combination toolequipped means, and means for causing a shape to travel and stop relatively to said tool-equipped means to correctly position the shape for successive operations, said means including a keyboard and a distance record device and meansfor simultaneously setting a plurality of keys to correspond to a sin le distance reading or indicatlon of said distance record device. 7

27. A machine for operatingupon structural shapes including in combination toolequipped means, and means for causing a shape to travel and stop relatively to said tool-equipped means to correctly position the shape. for successive operations, said means including a keyboard and a distance record strip having successive distance readings indicated thereon, and means between said strip and keyboard for simultaneouslytransferring to said keyboard all the indications for a complete reading or movement of the shape.

' 28. A machine for operating upon structural shapes, including in combination tool= equipped means,means for traveling a shape past said tool-equipped means, means forstopping the traveling shape in various positions to be operated upon by said toolequipped means, and distance determining devices controlling'said stopping means to determine the extent of travel, a distance record device and electrical means coiiperating therewith to govern the stoppin means in accprdance with the indications o i said distance record device.

trical devices cotiperating with said equipped means, an

29. A machine for'operatin upon structural shapes, including in com ination toolequipped means, means for freely traveling a shape past the-tool-equipped means, and

means. for stopping the traveling shape in forations, a head-traveling with and hold-' ing the shape, and connections whereby said electrical devices stop said head and the shape.

31. A machine for o crating upon structural shapes includin in com nation toolmeans for traveling p inga shape in various redeter' mined (positions relatively to t 'e toolequ1 pe means, said means including a per orated strip, and a pluralitypof e cotrical current carrying devices coiiperating --with'said strip the"current flow through a v particular device being controlled by the presence or absence of a corresponding perforation in the strifp. 32. A machine or operatin upon structural shapes, including in--com ination toolequipped means, and means for traveling and stopping a shape in various redetermined ositions relatively to t e toolequippe means, said means including aperforated strip, and a plurality of electrlcal 1 current carrying'dev1cescoeperating' with said stri 60. d

the current flow through a particular ence or absence of a corresponding per oration in .t'hestrip, mechanlcal devices controlled by said electrical devices to stop the shape at a'point corresponding to the distance indication of the perforations, and

vice being controlled by the res-' lass" means for feeding said strip between successive operations of 'said tool-equipped means.

33. A machine for operatin upon structural shapes, including in com ination tool equip ed means, means for traveling a shape past t e tool equipped-means, a member e ngaging and travellng with the shape, and distance determining devices for determining-the extent of travel of the shape including electric current carrying devices, a sheet having perforations therein representing distances and permitting or preventing the current flow, and connections controlled by said electric current carrying devices for stopping saidmember and the shape. 34. A machine for operating upon structural shapes, including in combination toolequipped means, means for traveling andstopping a shape in various predetermined positions'relat velyto said tool-equip ed means, said means includmg-settable tance determining devices, electrical devices for setting said distance determining devices, a plurality of current carrying devices connected to said electrical setting dev1ces and a distance record device carrying distance indications making or breakin said 'current to control the setting of dis-' tance determining devices.

35. A machine for operatin upon structural shapes including in com ination toolequipped means, means for travelingand stopping a shape in various predetermined positions-relatively to said tool-equipped means, said means including settable distance determining devices, electrical-devices for setting. said 1 distance determining devices, a pluralityof current carrying devices connected to said electrical setting devices and a sheet carrying distance indicating perforations for making and braking said currents to control the setting of said distance determining devices. 36. A machine for operating upon structural shapes including in combination toolequipped .means, means for traveling and stopping a shape in various predetermined positions to be operated upon by said toolequipped means, said means including disboard, electrically operated devices for setance determining vdevices, having a keylectively setting saidkeyboa-rd, a plurality of. electriccurrent carrying devices connected to said electrical setting-devices and, a

sheet having distance determining perforations for permitting or preventing thefiow of said currents.

37. A machine for operatin upon struc tural shapes including in com ination toolmeans, means for traveling and equipped stopping a shape in various predetermined positions to be operated upon bysaid -tools equipped means, said means including distance 'determining deviceshaving a key- 

